- 期刊
- OpenAccess
Morphology and Properties of Low Density Polyethylene Reinforced with Thaumatococcus Danielli Composites
並列摘要
The morphology and properties of a recycled Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) reinforced with Thaumatococcus danielli (TD) petioles has been studied. The physical and mechanical properties measured include: water absorption, hardness, modulus, tensile strength and impact energy. The wear behaviour was characterised using linear regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The microstructure of the LDPE‐TD composites produced was examined using scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results revealed that the addition of TD petioles increased the tensile strength, hardness and modulus with slightly reduction in impact energy. The improved strength and hardness was attributed to the presence of second phase TD petioles particles which fairly increased interfacial bonding at the particle‐matrix interphase. The main effect of TD petioles additions and load variable had a pronounced effect on the wear behaviour of the LDPE‐TD composite, while the interactions between the sliding distance and time had the most significant effect on the wear behaviour of the LDPE‐TD composite. Hence, Thaumatococcus danielli (TD) petioles particles can be used in increasing the properties of polymer composites.